Longstone GAC Notes

(Monday, May 09)

*The Longstone minors had two games recently, a good home win over Drumgath and suffered their 1st defeat in the league last Tuesday away to Glennderg. With several players injured, the lads were up against it from the start. The Stone raced into a 6 point lead after 15 mins, but the boys couldn’t push on from there. By half-time the teams were level. Glennderg raced into a 6 pt lead half way during the 2nd half but by the 58th minute the visitors had clawed their way back to a draw, but alas conceded a free which the opposition pointed with the last kick of the game. John Harrison, who had been playing brilliantly in defence this season, suffered an unfortunate injury at the stroke of half time, when he broke his collar bone. John’s presence and tenacity will be sorely missed in the coming weeks, but if the lads can emulate his selfless team ethic they should soon return to their winning ways. We all wish John a speedy and full recovery  

*Our U16s had two games recently and recorded a comfortable win at home to Banbridge after starting slowly. And last Thursday away to Atticall the visitors won again after an exciting tussle. Two good team performances typified by Michael McStay making some good saves, and outfield, Jamie McComb, Conor Kelly, Paddy Fegan, Gareth McDowell, Daithi Young, John Trimble, Aidan Rogers, Darren Fitzpatrick and Darren Rooney moving the ball at pace and communicating well.

*The U14s were at home to Drumgath last Monday and continued
their fine form to record a convincing win with an excellent team
performance from start to finish. Tony Young, Darren Fitzpatrick and Sean Mullan kept it tight in defence, Aidan Rogers and Dean Haughian controlled the midfield and Tiarnan Fegan Tyrone Poland and Joseph Young were in top form up front.
*The U-10 Mourne League continued with an away match to Ballymartin and in a game that was close throughout it was the visitors who took the
points to continue their good run. In difficult conditions due to
the strong wind this was an excellent performance. Niall Sloan, Michael
Burden and Caitlin Trainor were solid at the back, Taylor Poland and
Aaron McComb were excellent in midfield and up front Gareth
Fitzpatrick, Christopher Burden and Shane McDowell were a constant
threat and took some lovely scores. In the second game played for the
younger players everyone gave a great account of themselves and it ended in a draw. Ronan Mooney, Reece Lacey, Cain Erin Rogers, Dermott Martin, Oisin Trimble, Dylan Poland and Conor McPolin all played very well. Well done boys and girls.

*Longstone hosted an U8 tournament two Saturdays ago with ourselves, Glasdrumman, Warrenpoint and Burren A taking part. There was good football and sporting behaviour on display all day. Thanks to parents for refreshments and the referees, Colin Burden and Raphael Haughian.

*The junior camogs played away to Clonduff recently and after a determined and skilful display won the game. Longstone settled after about ten minutes of the game and overall were the better side on this occasion. A good team performance with Clare Rooney, Danielle Harrison, Caoimhe Poland, Nicole Hughes, Catherine Haughian and Sarah Trainor maintained her composure in attack and has taken to her new role very well. Clonduff 2-8 Longstone 4-5.

*Well done to the Down U16 Camogie Team All Ireland Champions after a very exciting one point win over Carlow on Saturday. Special mention goes to Longstone players Aleacha Rooney, Anthea Trainor and Sheree Fitzpatrick, and to Longstone’s Ann, Roisin and Slim Rogers who are mentors.

*Upcoming fixtures: Fri Sen v Saval (a)/ Sat U12 camogie v An Riocht (h)/ Sun Res 2pm v Banbridge (a)/ Mon Jun camogie v Ballycran (a)/ Tues U16 camogs v Warrenpoint (a).

*Condolences to the Trainor and Colaluca families on the death of their beloved Freddie recently. May he rest in peace.

*Longstone’s weekly session of Bingo continues on Wednesday nights, and starts at 9pm.

*Jigs & Reels is coming to Longstone Hall on Saturday, May 21. It should be a great night’s entertainment and admission is £3 at the door on the night from 9pm.

*Longstone GAC Golf Classic will take place on Friday, June 17.  Please see any committee member to find out how you can sponsor the event in some way or enter a team.

*Longstone’s 500 Boxes Draw will take place this Sunday night in Longstone Hall, May15, about 10pm.

*Are you interested in doing a night course, organised by the Southern Regional College, in Longstone Hall and starting this September? The further education college wants to hear what people are interested in learning about e.g. Cookery or Numeracy & Literacy or Basic computing, etc. Please contact Dympna Rooney 07828 457610 before May 26 to express any interest.

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